Toxic Woods

Spalting is a product of the decay process. Spalted woods display those patterns because of fungus eating its way through the grain lines. The sugars in the wood react with the fungi causing the various color patterns. Once dried, the fungus becomes dormant, not dead. If the fungal spores get wet, they may very well resume growth. This can happen in the wood, or it can happen in your respiratory system. It is always wise when sanding to wear some sort of filter mask or respirator. However, when sanding spalted wood, consider it a must. There have been documented cases of severe respiratory infections due to inhalation of fungal spores while sanding spalted woods.[1]